Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Wildberry Gardens and Camping Grounds is located in Lorega, Kitaotao, Bukidnon. Lorega is a highland barangay situated along the Bukidnon-Davao Highway. It is elevated at about 4,000 feet ASL and temperature could drop as low as 12 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal summer getaway for lowlanders. In fact, rich families from Davao City and other places already built vacation homes in this scenic barangay.

Wildberry Gardens is located about a hundred meters from Lorega Barangay Hall. This unassuming place has its own restaurant called Nowhere Diner and Cafe which is often frequented by Davaoeños because of its mouthwatering dishes.

At the back of the restaurant is the garden and camping grounds where my wife and I spent a night in one of its closed cottages. The place just recently reopened when we were there as evidenced by its largely unkempt garden and cottages that still needed some repair. But one could tell that only a few trimmings and landscaping here and there are needed to bring out the beauty of this place.

The closed cottage we booked offered a pretty basic accommodation, probably even spartan for those who are used to luxurious stays. With a rate of Php 700.00/night, it has one double bed, one double deck bed and another sleeping space in the attic. The room is not equipped with an aircon or electric fan, but with Lorega's cold weather, there is really no need for one. Beddings and mosquito net are provided and firewood could be requested if you want to have a bonfire at night. "Tabo" style toilet and bath is located outside the room which may be a hassle for some. But my wife and I did not really mind these little inconveniences.

Surpisingly, there's a lot of things that could keep you busy in the small barangay of Lorega. These are some of the things I suggest you would do if ever you'd spend a day or two here:

First, indulge in the absolutely delicious food served in Nowhere Cafe. Once you have your fill, take a walk outside and go straight to the highway. Near the Provincial Veterinary Sanitation Checkpoint (popularly known as "kwarantinas") are stalls selling souvenirs made my Matigsalug tribal folks. The crafts are very affordable so help the local community by buying some for yourself or as pasalubong.

You can then walk a little farther and visit Seagull Mountain Resort. Avail of their day tour for only P150/person, explore the whole resort and take a cold, refreshing dip in one of their swimming pools. Before going back to Wildberry Gardens, make sure to buy a bottle of rhum, gin or brandy in one of the sari-sari stores along the way. Believe me, you will need it to keep warm your body during the coldness of the night. Have a good night sleep amidst the sounds of crickets and wake up to the chirping of the birds. Then go for a morning jog in the interior parts of the barangay and see the beautiful vacation houses along the way. Follow the dirt road going uphill and enjoy the views of highway, mountains and pines. Then jog back to Nowhere Cafe and enjoy a really hearty breakfast.

How to get there:

If you're coming from Cagayan de Oro take a bus bound for Davao. If you're coming from Davao, take a bus bound for Cagayan de Oro. Tell the conductor to drop you off in the "Kwarantinas" of Barangay Lorega. Once you reach the Kwarantinas, take the road that goes left if you're coming from Cagayan de Oro or right if you're coming from Davao. Wildberry Gardens and Camping Grounds is about 200 meters from the national highway and about 100 meters from Lorega Barangay Hall. Make sure to book your reservation in advance by calling or texting the owner Maam Thelma at 09164755684.